Can a Christian Have Demons?

Answer:
To begin, it is essential to define who a Christian is. A Christian is someone who has placed their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, repented genuinely of their sins, been baptized as a public declaration of that faith, and received the seal of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13).

Because Christ dwells within a born-again believer, it is theologically impossible for that person to be possessed by demons. Jesus Christ is holy and pure, and His presence expels all demonic influences. Scripture affirms this:

1 John 4:4 (NIV)
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
This verse teaches that the indwelling Holy Spirit is far more powerful than any demonic spirit active in the world.

2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV):
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
Here, Paul stresses that righteousness (light) and wickedness (darkness) cannot cohabit the same person.

These passages make it clear that a genuine believer cannot harbor demonic spirits within them.

Why then do some Christians appear to be afflicted by demons?

It is critical to understand the biblical distinction between demonic possession and demonic oppression or attack.

Demonic possession implies a spirit controls and lives inside a person. This is impossible for the indwelt believer because of Christ’s presence.

Demonic oppression or attack refers to external harassment or influence by demonic forces that attempt to trouble or distract the believer.

Three main reasons believers might experience demonic oppression:

1. Lack of Understanding of Spiritual Authority

Many believers are unaware of the authority Christ has given them over demonic powers. Jesus gave His disciples authority over demons and evil forces:

Luke 9:1 (NIV):
“When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases.”

This authority has been extended to all believers (Luke 10:19). When a Christian understands and exercises this authority by faith particularly through the name of Jesus demonic forces must submit.

The apostle Paul reminds believers of their victory:

Romans 8:37 (NIV):

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

Hence, knowing and standing in this authority is essential to resisting demonic harassment.

2. Spiritual Immaturity

New believers or those who have not matured in the faith may still retain old habits, sinful attitudes, or ignorance that can create “open doors” for demonic attacks. The Bible compares spiritual babes to young plants easily shaken by the wind.

Growth in faith includes studying Scripture, pursuing holiness, prayer, and worship—all spiritual disciplines that protect the believer:

2 Peter 1:5-10 (NIV): Paul exhorts believers to supplement their faith with goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love—growth that keeps them from falling away.

If a believer neglects these, they become vulnerable to demonic harassment, though not possession.

3. Deliberate Sin

Persistent, willful sin provides a foothold for the enemy. The Bible warns:

Ephesians 4:27 (NIV):
“And do not give the devil a foothold.”

For example, someone who returns to habitual sin such as drunkenness.after conversion invites demonic oppression.

Jesus illustrated this danger:

Matthew 12:43-45 (NIV):

“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. The final condition of that person is worse than the first.”

This warns of the escalating danger of unrepentant sin.

Summary

A born-again Christian, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, cannot be possessed by demons, but they may be attacked, oppressed, or harassed by demonic forces. Such attacks can be resisted by:

Knowing and exercising the spiritual authority given in Christ

Growing in holiness and faith through the Word, prayer, and worship